Air India crash near Ahmedabad kills 242; echoes 2010 Mangalore tragedy

An Air India flight en route to London crashed just five minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM today, killing 242 passengers. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner exploded mid-air moments before crashing into a nearby area, sending shockwaves across the country. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue and more bodies are recovered from the wreckage.

Also Read: ‘Hearbreaking’: PM Modi on Ahmedabad air crash; adds ‘will assist those in need’

The ill-fated flight was carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals. The impact of the explosion and subsequent crash caused massive destruction. Emergency teams, including fire and medical personnel, rushed to the scene to aid survivors and transport the injured to hospitals.

This tragedy brings back memories of a similar disaster that occurred exactly 15 years ago, on May 22, 2010. An Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed at Mangalore’s Bajpe International Airport, killing 158 of the 166 people onboard, including 19 children, 6 infants, and 6 crew members. Only 8 passengers survived. Investigations later revealed the crash was caused by pilot error and failure to heed the co-pilot’s warnings.

Many victims remained unidentified in that crash, and a memorial park was later constructed at the site in their memory. As the nation mourns another aviation disaster, questions about flight safety and emergency readiness have resurfaced.